Stimuli‐Responsive Hydrogels for Antibacterial Applications

Abstract

Hydrogels have emerged as promising candidates for biomedical applications, especially in the field of antibacterial therapeutics, due to their unique structural properties, highly tunable physicochemical properties, and excellent biocompatibility. The integration of stimuli‐responsive functions into antibacterial hydrogels holds the potential to enhance their antibacterial properties and therapeutic efficacy, dynamically responding to different external or internal stimuli, such as pH, temperature, enzymes, and light. Therefore, this review describes the applications of hydrogel dressings responsive to different stimuli in antibacterial therapy. The collaborative interaction between stimuli‐responsive hydrogels and antibacterial materials is discussed. This synergistic approach, in contrast to conventional antibacterial materials, not only amplifies the antibacterial effect but also alleviates adverse side effects and diminishes the incidence of multiple infections and drug resistance. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the current challenges and outlines future research directions for stimuli‐responsive antibacterial hydrogels. It underscores the imperative for ongoing interdisciplinary research aimed at unraveling the mechanisms of wound healing. This understanding is crucial for optimizing the design and implementation of stimuli‐responsive antibacterial hydrogels. Ultimately, this review aims to offer scientific guidance for the development and practical clinical application of stimuli‐responsive antibacterial hydrogel dressings.